Welcome to the Fresno Assembly Center Memorial, a poignant site that offers a glimpse into a somber chapter of American history. Located in Fresno, California, this memorial stands as a reminder of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. In 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans, most of whom were U.S. citizens. The Fresno Assembly Center was one of the temporary detention facilities established to house these individuals before they were moved to more permanent camps.
The Fresno Assembly Center opened its doors in May 1942 on the grounds of the Fresno Fairgrounds, which had been in operation since 1884. During its operation, the center held approximately 5,344 Japanese Americans who were uprooted from their homes and livelihoods. Despite the challenging conditions, the internees tried to maintain a sense of normalcy by organizing schools, newspapers, and recreational activities.
After a few months, the detainees were transferred to more permanent camps, such as the Jerome War Relocation Center in Arkansas. The Fresno Assembly Center closed in October 1942, but its impact on those who lived through it and their descendants remains profound.
Today, the Fresno Assembly Center Memorial serves as a place for reflection and education. It honors the resilience of the Japanese American community and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting civil liberties for all. Visitors to the memorial can learn about the experiences of the internees through informational panels and personal stories that bring this part of history to life.
